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Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)
Taught languages Spanish, English, French
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
British International School Barranquilla is a private, co-educational bilingual school serving ages 3 to 18. The school pursues a Colombian-British education with Cambridge Primary, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme, alongside a Catholic Curriculum. The Early Years and Primary years combine UK and Cambridge frameworks with local Colombian requirements, while secondary students complete the IB MYP from Year 7–11 before progressing to the IB DP. Instruction is offered in English, Spanish, and French, supporting a trilingual emphasis and study abroad opportunities. Founded in 1981, the campus includes a Knowledge Centre for inquiry, science laboratories, music conservatory, art rooms, and dedicated spaces for sport, including synthetic and grass pitches, a multi-purpose hall, and courts. The Inspired educational approach integrates specialist-led extracurriculars, summer camps, student exchanges, and leadership conferences to foster creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing. The school supports study abroad opportunities and engages families in the educational journey.
Km 6 Autopista Puerto Colombia, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
Gallery
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Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials
British International School - Barranquilla has 1,100 pupils, instruction in Spanish, English, French.
Location
Cra 30
2 – 906, Puerto Colombia, Colombia. The campus location is provided with a Maps and Directions link on the school page.
Stages
Preschool, Primary, and Secondary.
Type
Private, co-educational bilingual school.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom (Colombian-British bilingual education with IB and Cambridge programmes)
Diving Deeper
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Fees
Annual tuition at British International School - Barranquilla ranges from COP 29,008,083 to COP 70,846,531 for 2026/27.
Application fees
- There is no separate, recurring "application fee" listed. The annual enrollment charge is the Matrícula (enrollment fee), which is charged once per year and which legally may not exceed 10% of the authorised annual tariff for the grade.
Tuition fees — authorised annual tariffs and maximum matrícula (enrollment) by grade
- Grade 8 and Grade 9: Annual tuition (Matrícula + Pensión) COP 64,731,608. Maximum Matrícula COP 6,473,161.
- Grade 10 and Grade 11: Annual tuition (Matrícula + Pensión) COP 62,034,458. Maximum Matrícula COP 6,203,446.
Other authorised periodic charges and program fees
- School meals (Alimentación): COP 6,251,980 (per level as authorised). Transport (Transporte): COP 6,251,980 (per level as authorised). Alojamiento (boarding): COP 0 (no boarding charge authorised).
- International-programme / imported-materials / text rental charge (applies from Year 6 / Grade 4 through the upper years): COP 2,607,245 (listed as an "other periodic charge" for those years). Additional occasional costs for activities, trips, exams, extracurriculars and similar items are charged separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Matrícula (enrollment) is charged once per year at the time of enrollment and may not exceed 10% of the authorised annual tariff for the grade; the Matrícula is normally due when the family formalises the student's contract.
- The Pensión (the remainder of the annual tuition) is billed separately from Matrícula. The school may bill pensions in monthly instalments or in periods not exceeding a trimester; the exact instalment schedule and due dates are set in the institution's payment rules and in the contract of enrollment. Families who pay the full annual pension in advance or who pay in two instalments are eligible for discounts according to the school's payment incentive rules. Examples of permitted payment schedules and discounts are specified in the school's payment policy documents.
- The school requires a signed contract of educational services at enrollment; the contract is supported by a promissory note (pagaré) that secures the family's financial obligations to the school.
Boarding fees
- Boarding (alojamiento) is not charged; the authorised Alojamiento value is COP 0, so there is no boarding programme fee.
Other costs parents should expect
- Meals and transport: COP 6,251,980 each (authorised periodic charges listed by level).
- Extra, incidental and activity charges: Fees for excursions, exam registrations (external Cambridge / IB where applicable), specific workshops, CAS activities, certificates, event fees and similar are invoiced separately as they occur; the school's administrative guidelines list which services require separate payment and the accepted payment channels. Payments for these items are collected through the school's finance office using the established payment channels.
Refund and cancellation policy
- If the parents/guardians terminate the enrollment contract before the start of academic activities and are up to date on payments, they are entitled to a full refund of any amounts already paid for Matrícula and other charges. Once the academic year has started, Matrícula and other charges are not refundable. If pensions were paid in advance and the contract terminates before the end of the service period, the school will refund the portion of the pre-paid pensions corresponding to the months during which the educational service will not be provided. The school has up to one (1) month to process approved refunds.
Fee payment options and practical notes on payments
- Accepted payment channels for tuition, program and incidental charges include payment by debit/credit card, payment at the designated financial institution and bank transfer to the accounts designated by the school (the finance office issues the exact account details and the authorised collection channels). Cheques of management type (cheque de gerencia) are accepted where noted for certain payment incentives. Payment deadlines, discount rules for early or split payments, and the authorised collection account(s) are set out in the school's enrollment contract and institutional payment communications.
Summary (key points for parents)
- Annual authorised tuition is published by grade as shown above; the school charges a one-time Matrícula (up to 10% of the annual tuition) plus the Pensión component.
- Meals and transport are additional authorised periodic charges (COP 6,251,980 each per level); boarding is not applicable. Other programme-specific charges apply for international materials and services for the upper levels.
- Pensions can be invoiced in monthly instalments or in periods not exceeding a trimester; the school offers discounts for annual or two‑payment options and processes refunds for pre-paid pensions corresponding to unused months if enrollment ends early. Accepted payment methods include card, bank transfer and payments at the bank designated by the school.
Academics
British International School - Barranquilla teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The British International School of Barranquilla provides a bilingual Colombian-British education for Preschool, Primary, and Secondary. Early Years combines the best practices of the United Kingdom and the Cambridge University curriculum with Colombian requirements. In Secondary the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) is implemented from Year 7 to Year 11, preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The DP offers six subjects: three at higher level and three at standard level, spanning languages, social sciences, sciences and mathematics, with the sixth subject from Arts or other options. The IB emphasises active learning and international-mindedness, and the school supports a trilingual approach with Spanish, English and French.
Exam Results
In 2025 IB exam results were exceptional.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates have been accepted by universities in Colombia (Universidad del Norte, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Javeriana, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad de la Sabana, CESA, Colegiatura de Medellín), the United States (Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Penn State, Purdue, SUNY Oswego, University of Colorado Boulder), Spain (IE University, Universidad de Navarra), and the United Kingdom (Nottingham Trent University).
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
1. Information Meeting. The Admissions Coordinator conducts an information meeting, in person or virtually, to explain BIS and address concerns. The school is bilingual and combines the national curriculum with the Cambridge International program and the International Baccalaureate, with French taught as a third language. The learning environment includes ongoing socio-emotional support to help students develop into well-rounded individuals. BIS accepts Nursery (3 years old by July 31) and Reception (4 years old by July 31); placements in Early Years are primarily offered, while Primary and Secondary placements depend on space and the applicant's demonstrated readiness for the level.
2. Fill out forms. The forms and documents must be completed on the Open Apply platform using the link sent by email. The Open Apply process can be completed remotely, allowing parents to update information during the process.
3. Admission Interview. After documentation is approved, an interview is scheduled with the psychologist in the corresponding section. Written tests are administered in Primary and Secondary schools, and all parents have an in-person interview with the school psychologist.
4. Process Results. Parents are informed of the result. If accepted, an appointment is scheduled with the Administrative and Financial Department to determine the educational investment.
Scholarships
Nsouli Scholars Programme is a global initiative that enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education, BIS included. The programme aims to expand the BIS community and provide opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities for learners from diverse backgrounds. Nadim Nsouli founded Inspired in 2013, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin as part of the programme. Inspired schools deliver a holistic, world-class education with access to specialist programs and transformative learning technologies to support each student's growth.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does British International School - Barranquilla follow?
The British International School of Barranquilla provides a bilingual Colombian-British education for Preschool, Primary, and Secondary.
What age range does British International School - Barranquilla serve?
The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual fees range from RMB 77,145,663 to RMB 85,656,925. Contact the school for the full fee schedule and any additional charges.
Is the school co-educational?
The school is described as co-educational.
How many students attend British International School - Barranquilla?
The school has approximately 1,100 students.
Where is British International School - Barranquilla located?
Cra 30 # 2 – 906, Puerto Colombia, Colombia. The campus location is provided with a Maps and Directions link on the school page.
When was British International School - Barranquilla established?
The school was established in 1981.
Who leads British International School - Barranquilla?
The school is led by Santiago José Castro Agudelo.
Does the school provide learning support for students with special educational needs?
The school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator.
What languages are used for instruction?
English, Spanish and French are taught.
How do I apply to British International School - Barranquilla?
1) Information Meeting. The Admissions Coordinator conducts an information meeting, in person or virtually, to explain BIS and address concerns.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Performing and Creative Arts are central to the Inspired approach. Every child is encouraged to adopt a creative approach to life and to express themselves through dance, drama, music, and visual arts.
